We continue our series, What's Up WIth That? Have you ever read a passage that was confusing or disturbing and asked, What's Up With That? This six week series will look at some of those passages.

Jan 8. Remember Lot's WIfe

Jan 15. Violence in the Bible

Jan 22. Jesus the only way to God?

Jan 29. Be Content in every Circumstance?

Feb 5. All Scripture is God Breathed?

Feb 12. God works all Things for Good?

In today's passage, we look at the question, "Is All scripture God- breathed?" Today we will focus on three things:

1) How is the Bible Unique?

2) What is the Point of the Bible?

3) How can the Bible Transform Me?

The Bible is more than a book; it is a collection of books. 3 different languages. Written by people from different backgrounds, occupations. It is the most translated book in the history of the world. Christians claim it is God's Word.

God has communicated to us in two ways;

1) Natural Revelation (Rom 1:20, Psalm 19)

2) Special Revelation - God's Word - Hebrews 1 states that in these last days he has spoken to us through his Son. The Son is the exact reflection of God (Hebrews 1:3). When we see and hear Jesus, we see and hear God.

2 Timothy 3:16 says the Bible is God- breathed. That means God's word is 100% divine in origin and 100% of human origin. In other words, human authors were inspired by God to write these words. 2 Peter 1 states these were not written on the author's own accord but they "spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.

The books that were chosen to become part of the Bible (esp the NT) were based on three criteria: 1) Apostolic Authority 2) Conformity to the rule of faith 3) accepted by the church as authoritative.

2 Timothy 3:16 states that scripture is:

1) Authoritative for what you Believe - What we know about Jesus, the cross, etc. (Teach and rebuke)

2) Authoritative in Conduct - How we are to live our lives (Correct and train in righteousness)

In 2 Timothy 3:14-17, we see two point to scripture. First, the primary point of the scripture is to make you wise for salvation through faith. You can read the Bible and never encounter God. The point of the Bible is to encounter Jesus.

Secondly, the Bible is to equip you for life. 2 Tim 3:17 states the reason to know God word is to be thoroughly equipped. God wants our life to flourish (Psalm 1) and as we follow his path, his way, our lives will bear fruit.

The point of the Bible is more than information, it is transformation. While the average American has 3.2 Bibles in their possession, the goal is to allow it to form you. To delight in God's word.

Studies have been done for folks who were not Christians, new Christians, maturing Christans and mature Christians. The NUMBER ONE habit that lead to change was reading scripture.

Pastor Craig Grosechel says, "The Habits you have today, will shape who you become tomorrow." Start the Habit of Bible Reading.

Here are five ways to start:

1) Make it Visible - Take a physical Bible and put it in a visible location. You will be more likely to read it.

2) The Bible in a Year - If you read the Bible 15 minutes a day, you will read the whole Bible in a year. You can download any number of plans to do so.

3) Memorize a Verse - Psalm 119:11 says, "I have hidden your word in my heart so that I might not sin against you." If you want to try this, join 50 others in our church and engage the Memorize What Matters link below.

4) Start a Bible Plan - There are many choices on lots of different topics.

5) Verse for the Day - There are many advantages to starting small. Youversion has a reflection every day on one verse of scripture per day. Start there.

When you read scripture, ask three questions:

1) What does it say?

2) What did it mean?

3) What does it mean to me?

Starting this habit allows you to meet with God and begin to transform your life. BEGIN THE HABIT Today!